Ireland and Scotland announce squad for the World T20 2016

Associate teams Ireland and Scotland announced their squads for the upcoming World T20 2016 in India. While Ireland decided to back their regular performers and the selectors believe to have picked a squad which has the right balance of experienced and young players. Scotland on the other hand has named Preston Mommsen as the skipper just for the first round of matches.

Ireland Chairman of Selectors Alan Lewis said: “We are really looking forward to this World Cup, particularly with the return of Boyd Rankin,”

“He gives our attack so much more balance and potency, as seen in our InterContinental Cup win last week.

“As such a consistent performer I am also delighted to see Tim Murtagh in the squad for an event like this particularly as he missed the 2015 World Cup is such disappointing circumstances.

“These are the events that players want to excel in so hopefully with the lead time involved and the energy the team always show we can emerge out on top of the group in the first phase.” reland Head Coach John Bracewell is relishing the opportunity to lead Ireland at a major global event for the first time and is confident his side will acquit themselves well.

“The squad has got a real balance to it, with that blend of youth and experience that every coach likes. Ireland are now regular performers on the world stage so there’s no fear or intimidation factors.

“We will be well prepared for the competition, as we’re currently playing Papua New Guinea, will take on the UAE later this week, and will be India for a training camp ahead of the competition.

“It’s another great chance for the squad to showcase Irish cricket to a global audience, and the guys are determined to prove they belong at the top level of the sport.”

Ireland squad:

William Porterfield (C), Andrew Balbirnie, George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Tim Murtagh, Kevin O’Brien, Niall O’Brien, Andrew Poynter, Stuart Poynter, Boyd Rankin, Max Sorensen, Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson, Gary Wilson, Craig Young.

For the Scottish team, Mommsen will lead his side in the first three round games against Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Hong Kong in Nagpur while Kyle Coetzer has been named the vice captain.

Scotland Head Coach Grant Bradburn said: “It is great to be announcing an extremely strong and well balanced T20 squad for India. We have an excellent mix of youth and experience across the squad, with every player offering dynamic specific skills in this format.  Competition for places in the final 15 has been hotly contested and everyone has great respect for the quality of players in the wider squad.”

“India presents a huge challenge for the team, however, it also presents a fantastic opportunity which we are all looking forward to. We have five warm up fixtures in India to adapt to conditions and to complete our team preparation to unleash our very best skills, at this global tournament.”

Scotland squad:

Preston Mommsen (C), Kyle Coetzer (V-C), Alasdair Evans, Calum MacLeod, Con de Lange, Gavin Main, George Munsey, Josh Davey, Mark Watt, Matt Machan, Matthew Cross, Michael Leask, Richie Berrington, Rob Taylor, Safyaan Sharif